Electrical connector strain relief for cable

A strain relief for ribbon cable (12) or discrete cables (82,84) in a connector (10). Strain relief insert (32) provides a recess (34) having a narrow entrance (36) into which is urged a fold (44) of cable (12) while the insert portions (42) are temporarily flexed or pivoted apart, or the fold is insertable from an end of the recess; a retention rod (46) is inserted into the fold above the cable from the side, such that a cable loop (50) extends around the rod at bend (44). The assembly is then urged into a shell pocket (24) adjacent the cable exit (20), with the pocket sidewalls (52) preventing the insert portions (42) from spreading apart at the narrow entrance after assembly. Strain from the cable (12,82,84) onto the connector tends to urge the cable loop (50) and rod (46) against the constriction of the narrow recess entrance (36) but they are trapped in the recess. A self-sustaining strain relief member (92) may be secured to a connector at its cable exit.